Asking for a raise...

[jfulle5]

I think this belongs here, if not I'll move it.....

What is the polite way to ask the boss for a raise?

[Slartibartfast]

It's not a question of "polite."  It's business, and the most valuable persuasive speech you'll probably make at work.

-  Find out what the industry standard pay is in your area, and have this information available when you talk to the boss
-  Make sure the boss has time to speak with you.
-  Make your case clearly, succinctly, and non-emotionally.  Convince your boss you're *worth* more, not just that you want more.
-  Be ready to give the boss time (chances are, he/she can't make an official decision right on the spot), but set a deadline when you'll check back with him/her to follow up.

Good luck!

[jfulle5]

Here's the background on my job:
-I work for an uberfamous photographer
-I'm his personal assistant/photo editor/ anything else he wants
-Everyone else has quit, there use to be 5 people working for him
-he compliments me on how well I'm doing constantly
-I'm severely underpaid and he knows it.

[NOVA Lady]

Reading your second post I would personally do the following:

-Figure out if I am unhappy enough with the pay to consider moving on to a different position if I didn't get a significant increase.

-Armed with information about a typical salary for someone in your position have a sit down with him about getting a raise to match the market. Also I would arm myself with a list (mental probably) or things I was doing well.

- If he balks at raising your rate, I would thank him for his time and then begin a new job search (though I might have begun this before....if you have an offer with a higher salary and he knows you will leave if you don't get a raise he might be more willing to negotiate.)

Good luck!

[jfulle5]

I'm basically only keeping the job because it will look wonderful on my resume and I'm in college. Otherwise I would have left with the other ones.
BTW he still hasnt hired anyone new...

[lolane]

Whenever I ask for a raise I like to have salary info handy. I also write up a memo detailing my achievements, accomplishments and contributions. Then I leave it with the person making the decision so that they can refer back to it when they are thinking about their decision.

[platys]

Having the salary info handy is good, but don't use it in the negotation itself.  It's your weakest argument, and makes it sound like you don't have your own successes to stand on.  This is an excellent site:

http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/raise/raise.html